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branding of new foals, marking (the tail is trimmed to a particular pattern to indicate which area/Agister is assigned to) and removal of any animals that commoners want to sell or return to their holding. Checks can also be made that animals are legally depastured and ‘marking fees’ paid where appropriate.

Table 3-22: Commoning Rights

Rights Definition

Common of pasture for commonable Applies to ponies, cattle, donkeys, and mules. animals Applies to 65,000 acres of private enclosed land in and around the New Forest as calculated by the 1858 Register of Claims. Allows animals to graze freely on the Open Forest and certain Inclosures on Crown Lands and adjacent commons Common of pasture for sheep Confined to certain former monastic property in the S.E. of the Forest and to a few fields in the extreme NW. Right is not currently exercised. Common of mast Right to turn out pigs in the autumn to eat acorns. Mast season generally runs for 60 days. Common of turbury and common of marl No longer exercised Estovers Right to receive free firewood annually from the Forestry Commission. Less than 100 households benefit from this Right.

As well as the Crown Lands stock can graze freely on the Adjacent Commons. The Adjacent Commons (Table 3-23 and Figure 23) are areas of common land, contiguous with or near the New Forest. They fall under the docrine of right of vicinage which states that where two commons adjoin, stock which may be depastured by right on one common, may wander freely between both. Therefore animals depastured on the Adjacent Commons can wander freely onto Crown Land.

Stock depastured on the Forest comprise ponies, cattle, donkeys and at certain times of the year Pigs can be turned out under the “Right of Mast” to eat the acorns which are potentially toxic to horses and cattle. Ponies form the greatest proportion of stock on the Forest while cattle form a larger proportion on the Adjacent Commons as shown in Figure 24. The large dip in stock numbers in 2001 was due to the Foot and Mouth Crisis.

Commoning is under pressure from poor financial returns, soaring house prices which prevent the younger generation of commoners from acquiring property from which to continue their commoning rights and the high percentage of commoners who are of an age where they will inevitably give up commoning in the next 10-25 years. There are also a number of key issues relating to commoning and sustainable wetland restoration which are discussed more fully in section 3.8.6.

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Figure 24: Stock Numbers

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Table 3-23: Adjacent Commons

Adjacent Common Ownership Hyde Common County Council Gorley Hill Hampshire County Council Common National Trust & Hampshire County Council Rockford Common National Trust, Hampshire County Council & several private owners Hightown Common National Trust Kingston Great Common Private Hale Purlieu National Trust North Common Private Plaitford Common National Trust West Wellow Common Parish Council Half Moon Common National Trust and Furzley Commons National Trust Manor Private

3.8.4 Recreation

The public has had access to a large part of the Forest within the Perambulation on foot and on horseback since time immemorial. Today, recreation and access in the New Forest is overseen by a variety of organisations and individuals including the Forestry Commission’s, National Trust, Hampshire County Council, private estates and other individuals. In the future, the new National Park Authority is also likely to adopt a key strategic role. The main recreational uses within the Perambulation are managed by the Forestry Commission and are shown in Table 3-24. The Forestry Commission’s Access and Recreation Plan guides the policies and strategies for managing and developing recreational access.

The Forestry Commission operates a policy of permissive free access on foot to its land (where lease arrangements allow) and byelaws allow free access to the Crown Lands on horseback. Under the Law of Property Act 1925, most of the Crown Lands are exempt from the CROW Act but at least 800 hectares of Crown Freehold Inclosures will be dedicated for open access under the CROW Act. Cycling is restricted to a cycle network using tracks and roads around the Forest. Other activities are controlled by a licensing system. The Forestry Commission Ranger Team has a key role in educating the public about the Forest and its environment and regulating recreational activities.

The powers conferred to the Forestry Commission for the provision and management of recreation under the New Forest Acts are only exercisable with the agreement of the Verderers. However the two parties have not always been able to agree whether particular items legally require the agreement of the Verderers. Therefore a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Forestry Commissioners and the Verderers of the New Forest (2002) has been drawn up to clarify the position and is intended to be binding in honour only (Appendix L).

Recreational activities outside Crown Land take place at the discretion of individual land owners and activities such as walking, horseriding and off road cycling are subject to local byelaws or restricted to the Right of Way network of footpaths and bridleways.

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However, the Countryside and Right of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) may provide some limited opportunities for new accessible green space.

In terms of visitor numbers, it has been estimated that at the current time (2005) around 15 million people visit the Forest each year of which 60-70% are made by local people from surrounding villages and conurbations.

Table 3-24: Recreational Use within the Forest Perambuation

Recreation Use Level of Use Current Management

Walking including 10 million visits per year Forestry Commission operates policy of dog walking free access on foot

Horse riding 5000 horses & riders use Forestry Commission byelaws allow free New Forest access on horseback within perambulation

Cycling 7% of visitors Forestry Commission operates policy of encouraging cycle access on way marked tracks

Specialist recreation 1200 permits per year Activities require permits from Forestry Commission with seasonal, locational and other restrictions applying. Activities include orienteering, model boats and aircraft, hunting, fishing, BBQ, Duke of Edinburgh awards, husky training, carriage driving

Other activities 900 permits per year Activities require permits from Forestry Commission with seasonal, locational and other restrictions applying. Activities include filming, car access to inclosures, military training, bee keeping

Source: Forestry Commission

3.8.5 Settlements & Infrastructure

Figure 25 shows the key settlements and infrastructure. It is estimated that the population contained within the National Park Boundary is around 34,400. The majority of the popula- tion is concentrated in towns and villages with the remaining found in isolated properties and hamlets scattered throughout the New Forest. Within the Forest itself the main popu- lation centres are focused in Lyndhurst, and Burley.

The main infrastructure routes through the Forest are the A31, A35 and A337. A network of smaller B and C class roads criss-cross the Forest linking up the major networks. The London to Weymouth railway bisects the southern half of the Forest linking Bournemouth and Southampton.

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A network of gravel tracks gives access to the Inclosures and the Open Forest and is used for maintenance access and timber hauling. Parts of this gravel track network combined with sections of public highway are used to provide cycle routes and public access throughout the Forest.

3.8.6 Land Use Issues a) Restricted access to timber harvesting sites

Wetland restoration works have resulted in the modification of some access routes within the Inclosures by taking out culverts and replacing them with fords. Timber harvesting of hardwoods takes place during the winter and there is the possibility that during wet periods when the rivers are high, it will not be possible for machinery and vehicles to use the fords, leaving certain forest stands temporarily isolated. This has already happened at the “concrete ford” in Vinney Ridge (November 05) when timber lorries were unable to cross the ford to pick up timber stacks. Although fords are only likely to be inaccessible for a matter of hours or possibly days during extreme rainfall events, plans for timber extraction routes and locations for timber stacks may need to be given additional thought during the planning stages of timber harvesting. Gauges will also need to be installed at certain fords to assist timber lorries assess the feasibility of crossing fords in flood.

Additional pollution prevention measures will also have to be taken at ford crossings during timber extraction to limit excess sedimentation, including the use of Heather bales and/or booms or sediment mats. b) Location of works relative to recreational activities

To date the majority of Life 3 works have taken place in areas reasonably remote from recreational pressures where the main activities are restricted to walking and riding. It has only been during the construction phase that any access restrictions have had to be imposed on safety grounds. It has been essential to ensure that crossing points have been maintained and if possible improved.

There is also the perception among some users of the Forest that wetland restoration works will make the Forest less accessible. Future works are unlikely to affect the gravel track network but there may be a few instances were informal “traditional” routes cross an area of restoration. In such cases the recreational use will be given due consideration and if necessary paths re-routed via the existing path network. c) Honey pot effects along rivers and streams

Certain reaches of the rivers are under significant pressure due to visitor numbers. Where car parks are located close to rivers they act as a honey pot for people to come and play and picnic beside the river. Certain localised reaches of the rivers do suffer from increased bankside erosion as a result. Where damage has been putting SAC habitats at risk, certain car parks

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have been closed to try and relieve the pressure. However the public reaction following such closures has demonstrated that much advanced planning and sensitivity is required when carrying out any permanent car parks closures. d) Grazing Patterns

The commoning community is concerned that wetland restoration works do not affect the quality of the grazing and that the productivity of any new grazing is recognised when opening up new areas. Therefore it is important to understand grazing patterns of stock and the relative productivity of different habitat types. A detailed study examining the food and feeding behaviour of cattle and ponies was conducted in the late 1970’s, the findings of which are still highly relevant today (Putman et al 1983).

Both cattle and ponies are selective grazers and follow fairly regimented patterns. Cattle use their preferred habitat types throughout the year and have a heavy preference for lawns and improved grasslands with extensive use of heathland. They tend to graze wet heath in summer and drier areas of heath in the winter. Feeding use of other communities is not extensive although deciduous woodland is exploited at times during the winter and acid grassland is used sporadically for most of the year. Cattle tend to spend less time actively feeding than ponies (60% compared to 75-88% for ponies) and restrict much of their feeding activity to daylight hours.

Ponies on the other hand exhibit a more marked seasonal and diurnal use of vegetation types. Improved grasslands and acid grassland are important throughout the year with streamside lawns being particularly favoured. Indeed the majority of ponies feed in discrete groups with each group having a favoured lawn which forms the focus of their grazing. However, wet heath, bogs and regenerating heathlands are used seasonally with peak use in the summer (May – September), which is related to Molinia growth which is the most important forage species in bogs and heathland. Feeding in gorse-brakes and deciduous woodland is largely restricted to winter, although woodlands are used for night feeding throughout the year. Indeed ponies tend to move off the lawns and heath during the night to seek shelter among the trees where they continue to graze throughout the night.

Although both ponies and cattle feed on lawns each has its own preferred area on the lawn. Ponies rarely graze their own latrine areas leaving areas of longer sward which in turn are utilised by the cattle which prefer to graze a longer sward.

The feeding preferences of cattle and ponies for different plant species are shown in Figure 26 while the productivity of different habitat types is shown in Table 3-25.

3.72 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Other Other leaves Tree Forbs Mos ses spp. Ulex aquilinum Pteridium vulgaris Calluna spp. Juncus spp. Eriophorum spp. Carex GramineaeOther caerulea Molinia rubra Festuca Agrostis curtis ii Ag ro stis ca pi ll a ris Agrostis canina Horses Months Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 0%

80% 60% 40% 20%

100% Forage type Forage

Other Other Leaves Tree Forbs Moss es aquilinum Pteridium vulgaris Calluna spp Juncus Gramineae Other caerulea Molinia e l t t a C Months Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 0%

80% 60% 40% 20%

100% Forage type Forage

Figure 26: Forage Preferences of Cattle and Horses 26: Forage Preferences Figure Source: R.J. Putman et al (1987) Based upon the percentage species composition of cuticular fragments in faeces New Forest cattle & ponies

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Table 3-25: Productivity and grazing pressure on different habitat types

Habitat Type Growing Season Percentage Production (tons/acre) removed by grazing Reseeded lawns 0.90 94% Commoners’ improved grassland 1.31 86% Streamside lawns 1.96 66% Acid grassland 0.63 91% Bog 1.84 89% Molinia Heath 0.90 48% Molinia Bog 0.90 48% Juncus sp 4.89 72% Bramble leaves 1.27 24%

Source: Putnam et al e) Importance of grazing in maintaining habitats

The streamside lawns and mires are key sources of grazing for commoners’ stock and indeed grazing is essential in maintaining the characteristics and sward composition of the SAC habitats. Indeed several areas of riverine woodland within the Inclosures would benefit from increased grazing. In some wet areas poaching by stock is important in developing habitat diversity and encouraging species which would not otherwise colonise these areas.

Ponies are capable of foraging deep into mires which helps to control scrub ingress and maintains an open habitat. However, ponies are also quite territorial and are often reluctant to graze new areas even when the productivity of grazing on their favoured areas is low. f) Fencing & Drift Lines

The pattern of fencing is important for maintaining drift lines during the annual round up of stock. When planning any changes to Inclosure fences it is necessary to consider the impact on drifting and take into account potential stock holding areas highlighted in the “Foot and Mouth Contingency Plan”.

It is also important to maintain crossing points. g) Creation of increased grazing

The wetland restoration works offer the potential to increase the area available for grazing through:

◆ Opening up areas within Inclosures for grazing ◆ Restoration of lawns ◆ Scrub clearance ◆ Erosion repair and drain infilling

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There is also potential for increased productivity on some lawns due to flushes of nutrients from the restoration of natural flooding. A key point to bear in mind is that as long as the flooding is of short duration (less than 48 hours) damage to the sward is generally negligible (Oakwood Environmental 1992, Scott Wilson/Environment Agency 1996). Flood peaks on Forest streams are likely to pass through in a matter of hours rather than days.

It has also been noted that bracken prefers drier ground and it is possible that bracken coverage could reduce alongside restored watercourses. However, this will require observation and monitoring over time. h) Stock watering

During dry summers accessible drinking water for stock can become scarce in some areas putting pressure on remaining “watering holes” resulting in increased poaching and erosion around some mires. Raising bed levels should mean that stock can more readily and safely access water sources that were previously unavailable or dangerous due to the narrow, over-deepened channels. If restoration works are successful in reducing the drying of mires then more water should also be available for watering stock in the summer.

Some localised reaches of streams and ditches running alongside certain lawns, for example Butts Lawn and Lyndhurst race course have suffered from excess erosion and poaching from stock trying to access the over deepened watercourse. A number of stock have also had to be rescued from over deepened ditches. The aforementioned sites have now been restored. i) Improved safety

Deep drainage ditches have resulted in stock fatalities in the past. The works will result in the infilling of many of the deeper, more dangerous ditches which may make the Inclosures safer for legitimate and/or straying stock. j) Consultation and consent

A significant component of the Life 3 Project to date has been consultation with stakeholders and increasing public awareness of the importance of wetland habitats, the type of work required and the issues involved. It has been extremely important to get public and stakeholder support in order for works to proceed successfully. It is important to retain this support if works are to proceed into the future. k) Socio- Economic Impacts of Wetland restoration works

It is likely that restoration and maintenance works will provide some additional temporary employment for contractors and staff within the Partner Organisations. At this point in time it is not envisaged that restoration works will result in any significant changes to the current grazing regime or recreational activities within the Forest.

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Further Reading

Management Plan For the Crown Lands of the New Forest 2001-2006, Forestry Commission

Plan For the Ancient & Ornamental Woodlands of the New Forest, April 99, Forestry Commission

Enjoying the Forest – Access & Recreation Plan, June 2001, Forestry Commission

Heathland Plan, March 2001, Forestry Commission

New Forest Special Area of Conservation Management Plan 2001

Putman R.J. et al (1983) The Food and Feed Behaviour of Cattle and Ponies in the New Forest Hampshire, NCC

Putman R.J et al (1987) Food and Feeding Behaviour of Cattle and Ponies in the New Forest, Hampshire, Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol 24, p369-380

Verderer’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme – Grazing Management Plan (2003)

www.verderers.org.uk

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3.9 OTHER LEGISLATION, PLANS & STRATEGIES

3.9.1 Existing Legislation, Plans & Strategies

A number of plans and strategies have been prepared or are currently being developed for the New Forest, which are relevant to the Wetland Management Plan because:

◆ They contain statutory policies relevant to the works that may be important for supporting and/or gaining statutory approvals for works proposed.

◆ It is important to be aware of any contradictory policies that could prevent the works from progressing beyond the planning stage.

◆ Non statutory plans may contain policies or objectives which could be important in gaining general support or otherwise during the consultation process

◆ The Strategies and actions proposed under another plan may be complimentary to solving issues highlighted in relation to wetland restoration and present opportunities for collaboration with other organisations to progress certain works or associated projects.

A summary of the relevant plans & strategies including their relevance to the Wetland Management Plan is given in Table 3-26.

A significant amount of UK legislation applicable to wetland restoration works in the New Forest including the:

◆ Water Resources Act 1991 ◆ Environment Act 1995 ◆ Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 ◆ Land Drainage Act 1991 ◆ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 ◆ Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ◆ Town & Country Planning Act 1981 ◆ Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 ◆ Waste Management Licensing Regulations 2005

This legislation helps to determine which consents and conditions are applicable to the restoration works. Further details and explanations of the legislation can be found at www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk

3.9.2 Issues relating to Plans & Policies a) Compliance with legislation

When preparing work plans it is important that sufficient time is allowed in the project planning process to obtain the necessary consents. The PATHFINDER Project is currently reviewing the consents procedure and will be reporting later in 2006.

3.77 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan b) Compliance with existing policies & plans

It is important when preparing plans and consents for the works that a check is made to ensure that the works are in accordance with policies and plans set out in key documents, in particular the:

◆ New Forest Special Area of Conservation Management Plan 2001

◆ Management Plan for the Crown Lands of the New Forest 2001-2006 (or any revisions) and associated Subject Plans

Due regard should also be given to the Verderers' Policies (Appendix L)

The Forest Design Plan which maps out in general terms how the Forest will be managed over the next 50-100 years is part of the Management Plan for the Crown Lands of the New Forest. The Management Plan is currently under review and the Forest Design Plan is being updated accordingly. Therefore it is important that any plans for future wetland restoration works are built into this review process.

Where works require permission for structures (e.g. bridges) under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 then consideration must be given to the policies set out in the New Forest Local Plan (or future plans produced by the National Park Authority). c) Stakeholder interest in other plans & strategies

Other plans that are currently being prepared are of interest and relevance to issues associated with wetland restoration in the New Forest, notably:

◆ New Forest Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) ◆ New Forest Catchment Flood Management Plan

Therefore it is important that the Partner Organisations maintain their interest in stakeholder consultations to ensure that the staff involved in preparing these plans have the necessary information to allow them to consider wetland restoration issues within the plan preparation process. d) Actions arising from other plans & strategies

Actions arising from other plans and strategies are often of direct relevance to the wetland restoration works. Therefore there may be scope for mutual co-operation between various partner organisations to achieve similar aims and objectives.

3.78 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Relevance to Implementation Plan A number of planning policies are relevant to the works where & Country Planning Act 1990 require consent under the Town Of key relevance to Implementation Plan both in terms of issues and management prescriptions for SAC habitats targeted restoration under Life 3 All subject plans contain key policies, strategies and objectives directly relevant to the implementation of wetland restoration works. Need proactive involvement in any plan revisions to ensure that future works are in compliance with the Forest Design Plan and where possible included within budget allocations. Status* Current. Will be reviewed after 5 years Due for review in 2006 Currently under review. Relevant Catchments All All All Background The Local Plan First Alteration was adopted in August 2005 and is part of the statutory Development Plan for the District, together with the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) and the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan (1998). features Describes the New Forest’s of European Importance for nature conservation and cultural factors of significance for their well being. Evaluates SAC habitats and issues them. Outlines set of generic affecting management prescriptions for habitat restoration and management. Management Plan drawn up as a Mandate result of the Minister’s 1999 and is a key component in implementing both the objectives of Mandate and the the Minister’s management prescriptions set out under the SAC Management Plan. Supported by seven subject plans relating to Heathlands, Ancient & Ornamental woodlands, Inclosures, Deer Management, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Access and Recreation, Community Involvement. Plan/Strategy District New Forest Council Local Plan (Adopted July 2005) NEW FOREST DIS- TRICT COUNCIL Special New Forest of Area Conservation Management Plan 2001 BY PREPARED ENGLISH NATURE ON BEHALF OF NEW FOREST LIFE 2 PARTNERSHIP Management Plan for the Crown Lands of the New 2001-2006 Forest FORESTRY COMMISSION

3.79 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Relevance to Implementation Plan Protection of wetland water resources and possible actions to help alleviate low flows. Partners need to take active part in consultation process ensure potential benefits for wetland restoration are considered. Protection of wetland water resources Need to ensure that aims, objectives and flood benefits of wet- land restoration works are considered within New Forest Catchment Flood Management Plan. Project partners need to maintain role as stakeholders through consultation process. Need to be aware of any ini- Strategy applied to Dockens Water. tiatives being progressed in relation to such issues as debris dams & flood control, non-native invasive plant species and habitat rehabilitation. Scope to co-ordinate works and potential set up partnership projects Useful for identifying key issues Status* In preparation. Consultation document due Summer 2006. Final report due for publi- cation in Spring 2007 Published March 2006 In preparation 10 year plan Out of date Relevant Catchments All except Hampshire Avon Tribs. Hampshire Avon Tribs All except Hampshire Avon which fall Tribs under Environment Agency SW Region Hampshire Avon Tribs All except Hampshire Avon Tribs Background CAMS set out how water resources will be managed at a local level. Consider how water abstraction need to be balanced against the needs of the environment CAMS set out how water resources will be managed at a local level. Consider how water abstraction need to be balanced against the needs of the environment Strategic level plan setting out flood control policies for the New Forest Prepared as part of Life in UK Rivers, which is a partnership project between the EU Life Nature Fund and main statutory bodies in the the 10 year strategy UK. On the Avon the aims to define issues affecting rivers, to note any mechanisms in place to tackle the issues and identify any further action required. Identified issues & actions to be Business incorporated into Agency’s Plans Plan/Strategy New Forest Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) ENVIRONMENT AGENCY Avon Hampshire Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) ENVIRONMENT AGENCY New Forest Catchment Flood Management Plan ENVIRONMENT AGENCY cSAC River Avon Conservation Strategy (2003) ENGLISH NATURE Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) New Forest ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

3.80 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Relevance to Implementation Plan Useful for identifying key issues of Life 3 works on flooding. Proposed a number Considered effects of options which would have had implications for the Life 3 restoration works. Could be relevant in the future if flood alleviation work is progressed for Brockenhurst or Life 3 works are carried Stream. out on the Weir Grazing is important in maintaining wetland SAC habitats and over management of grazing in need to liaise with Verderers restored areas. Being used by National Park Authority as a basis for the new National Park Management Plan. Need to be aware of Policies particularly when planning works and undertaking consultation in the open Forest where consent is required. Verderers’ Status* Out of date Options selected for . Current Current Current Relevant Catchments Hampshire Avon Tribs R Lymington All All All via the Countryside Background Identified issues & actions to be Business incorporated into Agency’s Plans Considered various options to alleviate flooding in Brockenhurst and Lymington 10 year agreement between the and DEFRA which allows Verderer’s commoners to receive headage payments Stewardship Scheme by entering their stock into a management agreement which has the aims and objectives to support commoning and the environmental economic benefits of the traditional depasturing of animals Sets out policies and actions needed to conserve the special character of the Forest The primary objective of the is to protect the special Verderers qualities of the Forest including commoning, traditional landscape, flora & fauna, aesthetic character, peacefulness, natural beauty and cultural heritage. Plan/Strategy Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) Avon Hampshire ENVIRONMENT AGENCY River Lymington Strategy (June 2004) ENVIRONMENT AGENCY Verderer’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme Grazing Management Plan (May 2005) Strategy for the 2003 New Forest NEW FOREST COMMITTEE Policies Verderers’ (July 2005) VERDERERS

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Further Reading

Strategy for the New Forest , New Forest Committee 2003

New Forest District Council Local Plan (Adopted July 2005)

Forestry Commission, Management Plan for the Crown Lands of the New Forest 2001-2006 plus associated subject plans

English Nature, New Forest Special Area of Conservation Management Plan 2001 -

English Nature (2003) River Avon cSAC Conservation Strategy

www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk

(N.B. At the time of writing the Environment Agency’s New Forest Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy, New Forest Flood Defence Strategy and River Basin Management Plans are still under development)

3.82 PART 4 WETLAND RESTORATION WORKS LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan

4. WETLAND RESTORATION WORKS

4.1 Introduction

This section of the Plan:

◆ Presents a summary of the works carried out to the end of the Life 3 Project (June 2006)

◆ Provides information on potential future works to help plan work programmes or prepare applications for funding to carry out the works

◆ Gives an idea of potential project costs through the provision of itemised cost menus and Case Studies

◆ Highlights the different restoration techniques used to date

◆ Notes the maintenance actions required to secure the habitat improvements made under the Life 3 Project

◆ Provides a summary of Issues/Actions & Priorities

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4.2 Wetland Restoration Works (2002 – 2006)

A number of generic activities have been carried out to achieve habitat restoration, notably:

◆ River restoration in channel ◆ Selective felling and removal of exotics from the immediate floodplain and waterways ◆ Drain infill ◆ Vegetation management including holly pollarding, scrub clearance, grazing and fence realignment ◆ Road and track maintenance in particular road/ride side drains

These tasks can be applied across several habitat restoration types as shown in Table 4.1 and are described in more detail in Section 4.8.

Table 4.1: Restoration Works

Habitat Restoration Potential works required Type Mire • Scrub clearance & management • Drain infilling • Tree felling • Removal of conifers and other exotics Riverine & Bog Woodland Restoration • Drain infill • Scrub management • Pollardng of holly/oak/ash/beech • Exotics removal and treatment (including conifers) • Glade creation and mire restoration in previously mixed woodland and disruption of the even aged structure of woodland • Deer fencing for small regeneration exclosures • Re-aligning of Inclosure fences to re-introduce grazing • Re-establishment of a natural river system, by reconnecting the river with its floodplain through reinstatement of the original river channel including meanders and debris dams Wet grassland (streamside lawns) • Re-establishment of a natural river system, by reconnecting river with its floodplain through reinstatement of original river channel including meanders and debris dams • Scrub management • Pollarding of holly/oak/ash/beech • Exotics removal and treatment

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Table 4-2: Wetland Restoration works carried out under Life 3

C a t c h m e n t / L o c a t i o n E.U. Action Habitat Restoration P a r t n e r Type Type R e s p o n s i b l e L y m i n g t o n Highland Water - River Restoration C4.1-4.3 River Restoration EA Blackensford Bottom River Restoration C4.1-4.3 River Restoration EA Dames Slough River Restoration C4.1-4.3 River Restoration EA Rhinefield River Restoration C4.1-4.3 River Restoration EA Holly Coppicing/Pollarding C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Pollarding Oak/Ash/Beech C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Waters Copse (fencing/hedging) C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Access Routes C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Anderwood Riverine Work C2.1 Riverine Woodland FC Burley Outer Rails C2.1 Riverine Woodland FC Dames Slough C2.1 River Restoration FC Vinney Ridge Deer fencing (Exclosure Plots) C2.1 Veg Management FC Highland Water (Deer fencing) C2.1 Veg Management FC Highland Water C2.1 Mire FC Holmhill Riverine Work C2.1 Riverine Woodland FC Holmhill Fencing C2.1 Grazing FC Knightwood Fence Re-alignments C2.1 Grazing FC Knightwood Western Hemlock Removal C2.1 Exotics Removal FC North Oakley Riverine Works C2.1 Riverine Woodland FC Slufters Fence Removal C2.1 Heath & Mire FC Vinney Ridge C2.1 Riverine Woodland FC Markway Lawn C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Markway Lawn C3.1 River Restoration/Riverine Woodland FC C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Brinken Wood Lawn C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Warwickslade Bog C3.1 Mire FC Withybed Bottom C3.1 Mire FC Slufters Mires C3.1 Mire FC Bratley Mire C3.1 Mire FC Millyford Green C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Sporelake Lawn C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Mill Lawn C3.1 Mire/Wet Grassland FC Red Rise/Creek Bottom C3.1 Mire/Wet Grassland FC Black Knowl/Butts Lawn C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Whitemoor C3.1 Mire FC Markway Inclosure C3.1 Heath FC Avon Water FC Removal Sallow Carr/Invasive Species C1.1 Mire FC Sheepwash Lawn Scrub Management C1.1 Wet Grassland FC Pollard 140 trees (not Holly) C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Holly Pollarding/coppicing other species C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Re-instate access routes C1.1 Erosion protection FC Holmsley Fence Removal C2.1 Heath & Mire FC Holmsley Riverine Work C2.1 Stream Restoration FC Wilverley Bog C3.1 Mire FC Wooton Copse Riverine Works C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Wooton Deer Fencing/fence re-alignments C2.1 Grass/Lawn Restoration FC Holmsley Bog C3.1 Mire FC Stony Moors C3.1 Mire FC Sheepwash Lawn C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Hampshire Avon Tributaries Broomy Bottom C3.1 Mire FC Holly Hatch C3.1 Mire FC Rhododendron control C1.1 Riverine Woodland FC Alluvial Grasslands- burning up scrub C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Broadway Bottom C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Woodford Bottom C3.1 Wet Grassland FC Ibsley Common C2.2 Mire/Riverine & Bog Woodland NT Newlands Plantation C2.2 Mire/Riverine & Bog Woodland NT Digden Bottom C3.1 Wet Grassland NT Milkham C3.1 Mire FC

C1.1 = Ensure Favourable Condition of riverine woodland and stimulate natural succession C2.1 = Restoration of Links between pre-Inclosure riverine and bog woodland and nearby networks to stimulate natural succession on Crown Land C2.2 = Restoration of Links between pre-Inclosure riverine and bog woodland and nearby networks to stimulate natural succession on National Trust Land C3.1 = Restoration of periodic inundation pattersn in the upper catchments to maintain stream water levels throughout the year on the Crown Lands C4.1 - 4.3 = River Habitat Restoration Work to Protect and Enhance Natura 2000 Priority Habitats

4.3 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan

4.3 Future Works

The information on Future Works can be used to help support or target funding applica- tions and/or to plan works as funding becomes available.

An initial indication of the location and priorities1 for future works is given in Figures 27 to 34. The series of plans show:

◆ The river reaches where some form of restoration work needs to be carried out

◆ The potential type of restoration work that needs to be carried out, although a detailed review needs to be conducted in the field to ascertain the exact extent of work required. River corridor survey data is also available to help with planning along some reaches

◆ A priority for those works

➤ Priority 1 works are the most urgent where action is required to meet the favourable SSSI condition targets (Appendix P). In order to meet the PSA Target these works need to have been carried out or be in the advance stage of planning by 2010.

➤ Priority 2 works tend to be located on the Open Forest or in more sensitive areas. Although these works are still required to meet the favourable SSSI condition targets it is considered that more time is needed to ensure that the techniques and works completed under Life 3 are working according to plan and to ensure that stakeholders have confidence that any new works will achieve their aim.

➤ Priority 3 works are works which are not necessary to achieve SSSI favourable condition status but if undertaken would help to restore the condition of the majority of New Forest Wetlands.

◆ Forestry Commission Inclosure Working Blocks – where possible it is useful to phase works to coincide with the 5 year working block rotation in order to reduce the impact on these areas.

Tables 4.3 to 4.8 summarise the map data in written form and can be used as a cross refer- ence tool.

Data relative to the Future Works will be held on the Forestry Commissions ARC9 system and can be added to/modified as more data becomes available.

1The potential future works were identified by representatives from English Nature, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission who are extremely familiar with the network of Forest streams and watercourses.

4.4 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan

Table 4-3: Future Work Requirement - Exotics Aquatic • • • • • • • • Veg. Mgment. • Removal Spoil Bank • • • • • • • • Meander Restoration • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dam Debris • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Raising Bed Level • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Infill Drain • • • • • • • • Nick Point Restoration 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 3? Priority Location Slufters Slufters Slufters Slufters Slufters Slufters Slufters Slufters Bratley Water Bratley Water North Oakley Plantation North Oakley Plantation Mill Lawn Brook Ridley Green Mill Lawn Brook Oldhouse Bottom South Oakley Inclosure South Oakley Inclosure South Oakley Inclosure Anderwood Inclosure Anderwood/Dog Kennel Knightwood Incl (Winding Shoot) Knightwood/Dameslough Knightwood/Dameslough Puckpits - Bagshot Gutter Holidays Hill Inclosure Knightwood Inclosure Knightwood Inclosure Knightwood Inclosure Knightwood Inclosure Knightwood Inclosure Red Rise Duckhole Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Cutting Warwickslade Queen's Meadow Fletchers Water Fletchers Thorns Inclosure Fletchers Hill Inclosure Fletchers Hill Inclosure Ober Heath Ober Heath Ober Heath Butts Lawn Butts Lawn Hurst Hill Inclosure Buckford Inclosure Buckford Inclosure Silver Stream The Weir Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Parkhill) Etherise Gutter (Perrywood Haseley Etherise Gutter (Perrywood Haseley Etherise Gutter (Perrywood Ivy) Hincheslea Bog Lawn Trenley Blackhamsley Milking Pound Bottom Knightwood Inclosure Knightwood Inclosure LR1 LR2 LR3 LR4 LR5 LR6 LR7 LR8 LR9 LR10 LR11 LR12 LR13 LR14 LR15 LR16 LR17 LR18 LR19 LR20 LR21 LR22 LR23 LR24 LR25 LR26 LR27 LR28 LR29 LR30 LR31 LR70 LR55 LR32 LR33 LR34 LR35 LR36 LR37 LR38 LR39 LR40 LR41 LR42 LR43 LR44 LR45 LR46 LR47 LR48 LR49 LR50 LR51 LR52 LR53 LR54 LR56 LR57 LR58 LR59 LR60 LR61 LR62 LR63 LR64 LR65 LR66 LR67 LR68 LR69 LR71 LR72 Code Reach 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 2 2 1 1 5 5 5 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 3 1 2 OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF Block* Working 113 113 113 113 113 114 114 114 134 357 357 120 136 561 128 366 558 362 358 347 362 362 356 356 335 507 500 504 498 503 503 499 499 477 476 469 472 472 494 495 509 591 491 491 491 491 491 491 570 570 569 515 515 506 517 362 362 Unit 344,350 127,138 120,126 357,371 363,362 363,362 356,386 473,504 484,498 469,476 476,501 496,486 511,513 473, 384 499,469,501 SSSI Condition

* Working block dates - Block 5 2006-2007 2012-2013 Block 1 2007-2008 2013-2014 Block 2 2008-2009 2015-2016 Block 3 2009-2010 2016-2017 Block 4 2010-2011 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Exotics Aquatic Veg. Mgment. Removal Spoil Bank • • Meander Restoration • • • • • • • • • • • Dam Debris • • • • • • • • • • Raising Bed Level • • • • • • • • Infill Drain • • Nick Point Restoration 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 Priority Location Sheepwash Green Coppice of Linwood Coppice of Linwood Coppice of Linwood Coppice of Linwood Coppice of Linwood Coppice of Linwood King's Garn Gutter Shave Green Inclosure Shave Green Inclosure Shave Green Inclosure CR2 CR3 CR4 CR5 CR6 CR7 CR8 CR9 CR10 CR11 Code LR1CR1 Reach 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 3 3 3 OF Block* Working 109 109 109 109 110 549 99,56 Unit 109,110 389,399 389,399 399,400 SSSI Condition Table 4-4: Future Work Requirements - Cadnam River Requirements Work 4-4: Future Table * Working block dates - * Working Block 5Block 1 2006-2007Block 2 2007-2008 2012-2013 Block 3 2008-2009 2013-2014 Block 4 2009-2010 2015-2016 2010-2011 2016-201 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Exotics Exotics Aquatic Aquatic • • Veg. Veg. Mgment. Mgment. • Removal Removal Spoil Bank Spoil Bank • • Meander Meander Restoration Restoration • • • • Dam Dam Debris Debris • • • • • • • • • • • Raising Raising Bed Level Bed Level • • • • • • • • Infill Infill Drain Drain • • • • Nick Point Nick Point Restoration Restoration 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 Priority Priority Location Brockshill Inclosure Brockshill Inclosure Brockshill Inclosure Location Holmsley Inclosure Holmsley Bog Little Wootton Inclosure Wootton Copse Inclosure Wootton Copse Inclosure Wootton Copse Inclosure Avon Water (Wilverley) Wilverley Inclosure Wilverley Inclosure Broadley Inclosure Broadley Inclosure Wootton Copse Inclosure BW1 BW2 BW3 AW1 AW2 AW3 AW4 AW5 AW6 AW7 AW8 AW9 AW10 AW11 AW12 Code Code Reach Reach 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 2 OF OF Block* Block* Working Working 401 564 564 337 538 537 536 536 539 533 533 Unit Unit 326,329 535,539 523,535 536,539 SSSI Condition SSSI Condition Table 4-5: Future Work Requirements - Requirements Work 4-5: Future Table Table 4-6: Future Work Requirements - Avon Water - Avon Requirements Work 4-6: Future Table * Working block dates - * Working Block 5Block 1 2006-2007Block 2 2007-2008 2012-2013 Block 3 2008-2009 2013-2014 2009-2010 2015-2016 2016-2017 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Exotics Aquatic • • • • Veg. Mgment. • • • Removal Spoil Bank • • • Meander Restoration • • • • • • • • • • • Dam Debris • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Raising Bed Level • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Infill Drain • • • Nick Point Restoration 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 3 3 Priority Location Pondhead Inclosure Pondhead Inclosure Longwater Lawn Fulliford Bog Bishop of Winchesters Purlieu Bishop of Winchesters Purlieu Bishop of Winchesters Purlieu Frame Heath Inclosure Gutter) Stockley Inclosure (Worts Gutter) Hawkshill Inclosure (Worts Gutter) Hawkshill Inclosure (Worts Gutter) Hawkshill Inclosure (Worts Gutter) Hawkshill Inclosure (Worts Gutter) Hawkshill Inclosure (Worts Heath Tree Yew Heath Tree Yew Bottom Dibden Bottom Dibden Bottom Dibden Bottom Buckhill The Noads Crabhat Inclosure Dibden Inclosure Greenmoor Upper Crockford Bottom Lower Crockford Bottom Lower Crockford Bottom Shipton Bottom Horsebush Bottom Bagshot Moor Little Wood Bullhill Peaked Bottom Norley Frameheath Inclosure Frameheath Inclosure BR1 BR2 BR3 BR4 BR5 BR6 BR7 BR8 BR9 BR10 BR11 BR12 BR13 BR14 BR15 BR16 BR17 BR18 BR19 BR20 BR21 BR22 BR23 BR24 BR25 BR26 BR27 BR28 BR29 BR30 BR31 BR32 BR33 BR34 BR35 BR36 BR37 Code Reach 4 4 5 5 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF n/a n/a 3/OF Block* Working 404 404 388 458 464 464 464 464 464 412 412 417 417 411 426 437 453 456 457 454 448 452 455 458 Unit 381,384 388,488 463,464 411,418 419,411 412,566 456,443 455,433 444,465 458,467 443,450,451 362,581,384,375 388,397,488,490 SSSI Condition Table 4-7: Future Work Requirements - Requirements Work 4-7: Future Table * Working block dates - * Working Block 5Block 1 2006-2007Block 2 2007-2008 2012-2013 Block 3 2008-2009 2013-2014 Block 4 2009-2010 2015-2016 2010-2011 2016-2017 LIFE 02 NAT/UK/8544 New Forest Wetland Management Plan Exotics Aquatic • Veg. Mgment. * Working block dates - * Working Block 5Block 1 2006-2007Block 2 2007-2008 2012-2013 Block 3 2008-2009 2013-2014 2009-2010 2015-2016 2016-2017 • • • Removal Spoil Bank • • • Meander NOT FC LAND NOT Restoration • • • • • • • • • • • Dam Debris • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Raising Bed Level • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Infill Drain • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Nick Point Restoration 1 1 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 2 1 1 1 Priority Location Godshill Wood Godshill Inclosure Millerford Plantation Cunninger Bottom Millerford Bottom Ditchend Bottom Must Thorns Bottom Island Thorns Claypits Bottom Island Thorns Island Thorns Island Thorns Island Thorns Island Thorns Island Thorns Amberwood Inclosure Alder Hill Inclosure Alder Hill Inclosure Alder Hill Inclosure Alder Hill Inclosure Alder Hill Inclosure Deadbuck Hill/Sloden Latchmore Bottom Latchmore Bottom Howen Bottom Eyeworth Pond Gorley Bushes/Eyeworth Gorley Bushes/Eyeworth Eyeworth Walk Springy Beeches Anses Wood Broadway Bottom Milkham Inclosure Milkham Inclosure Milkham Bottom Roe Inclosure Roe Inclosure/Buckherd Greenford Bottom Akercome Bottom Linford Bottom Holly Hatch Holly Hatch Amberslade Bottom Broomy Inclosure Digden Bottom Picket Bottom Thompson's Castle Foulford Bottom HA1 HA2 HA3 HA4 HA5 HA6 HA7 HA8 HA9 HA10 HA11 HA12 HA13 HA14 HA15 HA16 HA17 HA18 HA19 HA20 HA21 HA22 HA23 HA24 HA25 HA26 HA27 HA28 HA29 HA30 HA31 HA32 HA33 HA34 HA35 HA36 HA37 HA38 HA39 HA40 HA41 HA42 HA43 HA44 HA45 HA46 HA47 HA48 HA49 Code Reach 4 4 5 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 1 1 3 4 4 OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF Block* Working 65 65 33 58 66 66 66 66 66 66 48 54 54 54 54 75 50 88 88 71 91 43 540 540 540 540 540 540 540 541 545 116 553 115 105 552 256 125 28,33 44,48 12,29 Unit 162,68 97,116 94, 117 115, 553 28, 35,38 38,41,543 70,93,107 101,104,545 SSSI Condition Table 4-8: Future Work Requirements - Hampshire Avon Tributaries Avon - Hampshire Requirements Work 4-8: Future Table